Your garage door is the largest moving object in your home and has many parts that need to function correctly in order to open and close. Garage doors are under constant use throughout the year, but especially during the wintertime when there’s snow and ice on the ground. Take a look at these common winter garage door issues and ways to prevent them.
Three Ways Cold Weather Affects Your Garage Door
Warping Issues
Garage doors are typically made of mostly steel. When steel gets cold, it is likely that it will contract. Any other components that are made of metal can also seize up and warp the shape.
To prepare for this, lubricate the springs, hinges, rollers, and any other metal moving parts on your garage door. Remember, regular maintenance is also key to keeping a functional door, no matter the weather.
A Frozen Door
Another problem that can occur is water freezing at the bottom of your garage door. The water may even freeze it shut, which can be a problem if you’re in a rush out the door Monday morning.
To quickly fix this issue, dump hot water along the base of the garage door. Once the ice is melted, use the release cord to manually open your garage door. A great way to prevent water from freezing is to check your gutters for any clog issues. You can also water away from the foot of your garage if possible.
Garage Door Opener Issues
Garage door operators are also prone to having issues with colder weather. The sudden change in temperature makes the motor work harder. It’s important to make sure that every part is properly lubricated. However, don’t apply too much or the parts can become gunky in the winter. Check your remote batteries before you start taking a look at the whole garage operator mechanism. Another tip is to make sure the sensors are clear and that no snow or condensation isn’t fogging the lenses.
Common Garage Door Problems In The Winter
Winter weather can affect your garage door in more ways than you think. The colder temperatures can cause the metal parts of the door to shrink, especially springs and screws. This causes problems with your door’s ability to open and close, and can impact its overall quality and durability. The cold weather also makes the springs and tracks more likely to warp and break.
It is important to make sure that the metal parts of your garage door are working correctly so that it will open and close when the cold winter weather arrives. The last thing anyone wants is for their garage door to break during a snowstorm or freeze.
Another common issue in the winter is heat and air getting in and out of the garage. To prevent cold air from getting in and heat from getting out, it’s important to make sure your garage is sealed and insulated properly.
Winterize And Prevent Damage
One way to prevent damage is to inspect the door and its tracks. Watching and listening to your garage door open and close is the easiest way to see if something is wrong. If you hear unusual sounds or notice the door getting caught in certain areas, you probably need to get it serviced. If your door is older or you suspect a problem, it’s best to call a professional so they can identify and fix the issue.
It’s also a good idea to lubricate all of your garage door’s moving parts. Adding a spray lubricant to the springs, bearings, and hinges will protect them and keep the door moving up and down with ease.
One of the easiest ways to check your garage door’s seal is to go out at night and look at your door. If you see any cracks of light coming through, you have a problem with the seal. If light is getting through, that means heat and air are too. It’s important to seal your garage so heat doesn’t escape and cold air doesn’t get in. If there is a gap at the bottom of the door, the best thing to do is add weatherstripping. If you already have weatherstripping and still feel air coming through, replace it with a new piece. To seal gaps in your windows, you can also use weatherstripping or caulk.
Consider An Insulated Garage Door
The best way to make sure your garage is winter-ready is to have an insulated garage door. There are many benefits, but keeping the heat in your garage and reducing energy bills is the main one, especially in the colder months. If you are considering getting a new garage door, Integrity Overhead Door can help you with that.
Looking for an Overhead Door Company In Amarillo, TX?
Need help winterizing your garage door? Integrity Overhead Door in Amarillo, TX offers same-day service if you call before 3 PM!
Here’s what a recent client who partnered with Integrity Overhead Door had to say about our services: “Steven and Corbin arrived on time and were very professional and explained everything I needed to know and answered all questions I had. Integrity is lucky to have quality employees like these 2 guys. Thanks for the great service.”
We can help with any repairs or replacements you might need on your residential or commercial overhead door. For more information, contact us at 806-418-5237!
